Laurie Spadaro, Director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sat down with Terry Kayobotsi, technology analyst with Nationwide Insurance. Hear why Terry chose to pursue not only his MBOE but also an EMBA, and how his Fisher experience has had an impact in his professional career.

Terry Kayobotsi, MBOE Class of 2017 and EMBA Class of 2019

Today, Aravind Chandrasekaran, associate dean and academic director for the Executive MBA and Master of Business Operational Excellence programs sits down with Dr. Susan Moffatt-Bruce. Susan currently serves as chief executive officer at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is a practicing thoracic surgeon. Prior to her role in Canada, she served The Ohio State University Wexner Medical center in may roles including executive director and chief quality and patient safety officer. While at Ohio State, she opted to further her education and received her Master of Business Operational Excellence as well as her Executive MBA.

This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Dr. Susan Moffatt-Bruce, MD, PhD, EMBA, MBOE

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program and class of 2016, sits down with Ryan VanNoy, MBOE class of 2020. Ryan is a veteran who currently serves as supervisor for the Maintenance Analysis and Funding Team at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Listen to hear why Ryan chose to go back to school and how it's impacted his career, as well as his personal life.

Ryan VanNoy, MBOE Class of 2020

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Rahul Ponappa, MBOE class of 2020. Rahul serves as assistant director of dining services at The Ohio State University. Listen to hear how Rahul’s role had to pivot and adapt during 2020, and how he had the support of MBOE to help him through it all.

Rahul Ponappa, MBOE Class of 2020

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE)program, sits down with Malak Abdel-Hadi, MBOE class of 2020. Malak serves as process improvement specialist for Safelite AutoGlass, a company that prioritizes process improvement. Hear how Malak switched companies and positions to best utilize her education.

Malak Abdel-Hadi, MBOE Class of 2020

Today, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Lois Bernhardt, MBOE class of 2019. Lois is a physical therapist and associate director of sports medicine and ambulatory rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Listen to hear how the MBOE program has had an impact on her professional career in healthcare.

Lois Bernhardt, MBOE Class of 2019

Laurie Spadaro, Director of the Master of Business Operational excellence program sat down with MBOE alum, Linda Richmond. Linda is responsible for directing and developing Continuous Improvement and Operational excellence within the Western Area of The United States Postal Service. Learn why Linda opted for a degree in Operational Excellence and how her experience has helped her as an engineer with over 34 years of experience.

This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Linda Richmond, MBOE Class of 2017

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with five alumni of the MBOE program who all work at JP Morgan Chase. Listen to how the program has had an impact in their various roles within the same company.

This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

JP Morgan Chase Alumni Panel, MBOE

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Greg Linscott, MBOE class of 2019. Greg is general manager at Domtar Johnsonburg Mill. Listen to hear how the MBOE program has had an impact on his professional career in manufacturing.

Greg Linscott, MBOE Class of 2019

Today, Laurie Spadaro, Director of Operations and Admissions, sat down with Inggrie Moore, senior consultant in lean automation at Fifth Third Bank and 2019 graduate of MBOE, and Dave Margil, a coach within the MBOE program. Every student in the program is assigned an experienced coach who works with them on their individual capstone project. Listen to learn how MBOE has made a difference in Inggrie’s professional career, and how Dave helped her with her lean journey.

Inggrie Moore, MBOE Class of 2019

Anna Morris, Associate Director of Engagement, sat down with Ashley Donnini, EMBA Class of 2017, to hear why she chose to pursue her Executive MBA and how it's had an impact on her career. Since graduation, Ashley has started her own company, Lola Link Consulting, a boutique firm focused in the utility industry.

Ashley Donnini, EMBA Class of 2017

Anna Morris sat down with Blake Gleaves, Founder of Brewker and 2017 graduate of the Executive MBA program. Blake reflects on his time at Fisher and how the program helped him go from managing to leading, and being an authentic leader.

Blake Gleaves, EMBA Class of 2017

Laurie Spadaro, director of admission and operations for executive graduate programs, sat down with Aaron Friedman, a graduate from the Master of Business Operational Excellence Class of 2020. Since graduating, Aaron was hired at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams as Production Manager, where he oversees the supply and production of the ice cream bases. Aaron explains how he uses operational excellence principles in his day-to-day work, and even touches on the now famous Strawberry Pretzel Salad flavor release.

Aaron Friedman, MBOE Class of 2020

Our prospective students are often concerned about managing their professional careers and their family life, in addition to going back to school. Julia Yontz, a 2020 graduate of the Executive MBA program, shares why she chose to pursue her Executive MBA while balancing work and growing her family simultaneously.

Julia Yontz, EMBA Class of 2020

Today, Dan Oglevee, Director of the Executive MBA program sits down with Trey Addison, co founder and managing partner of Nascent Group Holdings. Hear why Trey chose to pursue his EMBA and how it’s impacted his life since graduation.

This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Trey Addison, EMBA Class of 2019

Anna Morris sat down with Tyson Snider, director of manufacturing at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and 2021 graduate of the Executive MBA program. Tyson reflects on his time at Fisher and how the program opened up his career path from accounting to so much more.

Tyson Snider, EMBA

Jeremy Ellison, Executive MBA Class of 2020, sat down with Anna Morris, Associate Director at Fisher College of Business, to discuss his transformation during and after his EMBA experience. Since graduation, Jeremy switched careers and currently serves as Executive Director of the Riverview International Center, a non-profit organization that empowers New American neighbors by supporting individuals, strengthening families and nurturing community. The organization was recently named one of the five non-profits to watch by The Columbus Foundation. Listen to hear how the tools and principles he learned during his Fisher experience, allows him to make an even greater impact on the Columbus community.

Jeremy Ellison, EMBA Class of 2020

Anna Morris sat down with Victor Nguyen, Executive MBA Class of 2023, and Naval Aviator for the US Navy and Assistant Professor of Naval Science at University of Michigan. Victor reflected back on his apprehension about starting the program, how he was able to fit in the work with a busy job and young family, and ultimately how the experience will drive future opportunities.

Victor Nguyen, EMBA Class of 2023

In this episode of Alumni Conversations, we are joined by Jurriaan de Jong, academic director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program, along with five distinguished alumni from various industries. Recorded during a live webinar event, this conversation dives into the unique experiences of these professionals, exploring how the program has impacted their personal and professional lives since graduation. 

Alumni Panelists: 
- Erica Reed, Lead Specialty Practice Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

- Jereme Monson, Sr. Operations Manager, Controls Services at TechnipFMC

- Tony Kutlu, Director of the Program Management Office at Kimball Midwest

- Rahul Ponappa, Assistant Director of Dining Services at The Ohio State University

- Elizabeth Howe, Director, Performance Excellence at Duke Health


This episode offers a compelling look at the power of continuous learning and the transformative impact of operational excellence.

Insights and Impact: MBOE Alumni Panel

In this special episode of Alumni Conversations, we are joined by Professor Nate Craig, the academic director of the Executive MBA program, along with six distinguished alumni from various industries. 

Recorded during a live webinar event, this conversation explores how the program has impacted their personal and professional lives since graduation. This episode offers a compelling look at the power of continuous learning and the transformative impact of an Executive MBA.

Insights and Impact: Executive MBA Alumni Panel

In this insightful episode, we are joined by Professor Jurriaan de Jong to explore the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program. 

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of what the MBOE program entails, including its curriculum, hands-on learning approach, and the unique methodologies it employs to equip students across industries with the skills needed to drive operational improvements and lead transformative initiatives within their organizations.

What is a Master of Business in Operational Excellence?

Recorded during a live webinar event, Anna Morris, associate director, sits down with six current Executive MBA (EMBA) students who candidly share their experiences and reflections on their journey within the program so far.

The discussion covers a wide range of topics, from the initial decision to pursue an EMBA to the unique challenges and rewarding moments encountered along the way. Listeners will hear firsthand about the transformative impact of the program, the supportive community that fosters growth, and the practical skills and knowledge that these students are gaining. 

Whether you’re considering an EMBA or are simply curious about the executive education experience, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

Women in EMBA: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Successes

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Jones, Sr. Marketing Manager at Johnson & Johnson and 2022 graduate of the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business. Jenny shares her journey of deciding to pursue an Executive MBA and how the program has made a significant impact on her career and personal growth. Jenny emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself and taking that leap of faith to unlock new opportunities. 

Whether you're considering an advanced degree or looking for inspiration to advance in your career, Jenny's story will motivate you to take the next step.

Jenny Jones, EMBA Class Of 2022

Executive coaching is a cornerstone of the Fisher College of Business Executive MBA program, offering participants personalized guidance as they navigate their professional and personal growth throughout their EMBA journey. Today, we’re joined by one of our incredible coaches, Rob Mullins, who brings years of expertise in leadership development, strategic decision-making, and unlocking potential in individuals and teams.

In this episode, we’ll explore what makes executive coaching so impactful, the unique approach Rob takes with EMBA students, and the transformation he’s witnessed in participants as they integrate these insights into their careers.

Personalized Leadership: The Power of Coaching in the EMBA Program

The Master of Business Operational Excellence program is all about transforming students into problem-solvers and leaders in operational excellence, and coaching plays a pivotal role in that journey. Each student is paired with an experienced coach who provides guidance and insight as they work through their individual capstone projects.

To give us a deeper look into this transformative coaching experience, we’re thrilled to welcome Whitney Mantonya to the podcast. Whitney is a faculty member in the MBOE program, but before stepping into her faculty role, she served as a coach for MBOE students, guiding them through their projects and helping them achieve real-world results for their organizations.



Coaching for Change: Real-World Results in the MBOE Program

Learn more about the Executive Education offerings at Fisher College of Business through conversations with our alumni, students and faculty

Executive Education Conversations

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